A Community Built on Curiosity
The White River Rock, Gem, and Mineral Club was established in 2018 to “promote the love and education of rocks, gems, and minerals,” says President Chris Rogers. “We aim to inform and enjoy all things geological. It created a place to come together and share a common interest.”
That mission has resonated. What started as a small group has grown to more than 100 members, all connected by their curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.
Director at Large and Field Trip Coordinator Jennifer Stanton and Club President Chris Rogers show off the Golden Egg, a surprise-filled highlight that drew excitement and bids from the crowd.
Why People Keep Coming Back
The club’s growth is driven by more than just interest in rocks. It is fueled by experiences and relationships.
“One thing that attracts people to our club other than being with like minded folks are our field trips,” Rogers explains. “Because we are a club we can often gain access to places individuals can’t.”
Members also help spread the word by sharing their experiences wherever they go, creating a steady stream of new interest and involvement.
“People really enjoy being with others who share their passion and learning more about what they love,” Rogers says. “As President I try to make our meetings and activities fun and friendly.”
A Hobby That Connects Generations
Part of what makes rock collecting so meaningful is how simple and accessible it can be.
“For one, it can often be done for free and in nature,” Rogers says. “The earth produces so many amazing things. I think it keeps the childlike wonder alive.”
That sense of wonder was easy to see at a recent meeting, where kids and adults alike gathered around tables, sharing finds and stories.
Club members watch on during Beth Hall’s Flint Knapping presentation
One member, Kathy, said she had known about the club for years before finally joining about a year ago alongside a friend. Despite living just a few blocks away, it took time to take that first step. Once she did, it quickly became something she looked forward to.
She described it simply as getting together with “a bunch of other rock nerds,” but what stood out was how often she now meets others who share the same interest. Conversations that once felt niche suddenly feel common.
She also brought along a few of her finds, including small shark teeth and a fossilized shell, all collected from outside the Dallas, Texas area. Each piece carried a sense of place and history, a reminder that these discoveries are not just local, but part of a much larger story beneath the surface.
Club member Kathy’s fossil finds from the Dallas, Texas area.
Field Trips That Spark Discovery
Field trips are where many of those stories begin and right now, the club is heading into one of its busiest and most exciting stretches of the year.
“These adventures are usually wet or dirty depending what we are after, but are always guaranteed fun,” Rogers says.
Kathy experienced that firsthand on a previous trip to Missouri, where she described digging into the earth and finding a pocket that opened into a cool space below. On a hot day, she said, feeling that rush of cold air was unforgettable.
This April, members have two opportunities to create those same kinds of memories. A Missouri druzy hunting trip runs April 17 through April 20, where participants will explore multiple locations with a private guide in search of sparkling crystal formations. Shortly after, a geode hunting trip in Keokuk, Iowa, will take place April 25 and 26, giving members access to areas along the Fox River known for geodes and Lake Superior agates.
Trips like these are not just about what is found, but about the experience of finding it. Members learn from one another, explore new locations, and often bring family along, turning each outing into a shared memory.
“Everyone leaves thrilled with some magical piece they just love,” Rogers says. “It really stokes the fire.”
Check out some of the field trip photos and videos here.
Inside a Club Meeting
Walking into a recent monthly meeting, the energy was immediate. Members were greeted at the door with door prize tickets, tables were filled with rocks and displays, and conversations were already underway.
The night included a presentation on flint knapping by club secretary Beth Hall, blending history, science, and hands on learning.
But beyond the presentation, what stood out most was the atmosphere. It was welcoming, informal, and genuinely fun. Kids participated, members asked questions, and people stayed after to talk, share, and learn from each other.
After the presentation, club members stay to chat, share stories, and connect over their shared love of rocks and minerals.
Learning Beyond the Meetings
The club’s impact goes beyond monthly meetings, especially for younger members and families.
A children’s workshop is scheduled for April 18 at the White Lake Community Library in Whitehall, featuring a dinosaur themed program focused on fossils, how they form, and where they can be found today. The program is part of the club’s ongoing effort to make geology approachable and exciting for kids.
From hands on activities to questions about ancient life, the goal is simple. Spark curiosity early and encourage kids to explore the natural world around them.
A Place to Find Your People
For many, the club fills a gap they did not realize existed.
“So many people don’t know there are many others out there who love rocks or the lapidary arts,” Rogers says. “It’s always great to find your people.”
That idea came up again and again in conversation. What starts as an individual interest quickly becomes something shared, something social, something bigger.
Upcoming Event: Annual Tailgate at Artisan Market
One of the club’s most anticipated public events is the Annual Tailgate, happening May 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Artisan Market in Montague.
The event invites the community to buy, sell, and trade rocks and rock related items. Vendors can set up 10 by 10 spaces, and while vending is free, participants are encouraged to donate an item for future club fundraisers.
It is an event the community looks forward to each year and a great way to experience what the club is all about.
How to Get Involved
The club meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Montague. Membership is $20 for individuals and $25 for families, with additional opportunities like children’s workshops and field trips throughout the year.
“We would be so happy to have you,” Rogers says.
For anyone who has ever picked up a rock and wondered about its story, the White River Rock, Gem, and Mineral Club offers a place to explore that curiosity and a community to share it with.
To learn more about the White River Rock, Gem, and Mineral Club and upcoming events, visit whiteriverrockclub.com .
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